The Rays are engaged in a whirlwind of activity, investigating Lee, Halladay and numerous other options — “major, major stuff,” according to one source.

Payroll flexibility remains a significant obstacle, and the Rays might need to move left-hander Scott Kazmir or another high-priced player to clear room for a major acquisition.

There are no indications, however, that the Rays are discussing trades involving Kazmir, who is earning $6 million this season, $8 million in 2010 and $12 million in ’11 with a $13.5 million or $2.5 million buyout for ’12.

Should the Yankees be concerned about the Rays potentially making a “major” move? Or, instead of trying to get ahead of what might be coming, should New York just wait and see and react only if something happens? What do you think?

Comments on Rosenthal: Rays Cooking Something Major?

I’m not a big fan of reacting to moves made by rivals. The Yankees need to evaluate their club independently and try to determine what they need to be better, rather than trying to to keep up with the Joneses. I would not be devastated if the Yankees stood pat, but I would like them to add one more arm.

I’m not a big fan of reacting to moves made by rivals. The Yankees need to evaluate their club independently and try to determine what they need to be better, rather than trying to to keep up with the Joneses. I would not be devastated if the Yankees stood pat, but I would like them to add one more arm.

Yagotta, we actually agree to a certain degree. Cash Man has to evaluate his needs not on what the Arlington Rangers, the St Pete Sunrays , the Orange County Angels or the Red Stockings do BUT rather what they need to improve the team. He already spent over 200 mill, it’s obscene that he didn’t cover all the bases so to speak. A minor tweak is one thing like Hinske where I give Cash Man credit (shocking unh?)for getting the relatively poor Pirates to pay the money BUT adding someone like a Cliff Lee? It’s overkill quite frankly………

@ butchie22:
There’s no such thing as overkill. The Braves were sitting pretty and they still added Denny Neagle & Greg Maddux, the Yanks were coming off an all time season and they still added Roger Clemens.

If there’s an opportunity to upgrade, it should be taken. Having said that, the Rays have the most to offer, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them land Halliday or Lee.